No. 21 Nebraska (3-1) at No. 24 Missouri (4-0), Thursday, 8 p.m. CDT (ESPN)
Line: Nebraska by 3.
Series Record: 63-36-3.
Last Meeting: 2008. Missouri 52-17.
What’s at Stake
After decades of Nebraska dominance, the Tigers have flipped the script in this Big 12 North Division rivalry. They have beaten the Huskers two straight years (combined 93-23) and four of the past six times. Missouri, coming off a bye week, is trying for its first three-peat against Nebraska since 1969 and its fourth consecutive 5-0 start. Nebraska, also coming off a bye week, has three wins over Sun Belt Conference teams along with a 16-15, last-second road loss to Virginia Tech.
Key Matchup
Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert vs. Nebraska defense. The sophomore leads the Big 12 in passing efficiency (fourth in the nation) with 11 TD throws and no interceptions. Nebraska leads the country in scoring defense, allowing just 7 points a game with a slate that has included overmatched Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette.
Players to watch
Nebraska: RB Roy Helu leads the Cornhuskers with an average of 116 rushing yards per game. QB Zac Lee is averaging 231.8 passing yards a game. His leading receivers are Helu and Mike McNeill, tied with 11 catches.
Missouri: Gabbert threw for a career-high 414 yards in the Tiger’s 31-21 road win over Nevada before the bye week. The St. Louis-area prep star committed to play at Nebraska before switching to his state school. Senior wide receiver Danario Alexander leads the team with 29 receptions, including four TDs.
Facts & Figures
Nebraska has 386 wins since 1970, which is 27 more than any other school. … Missouri last hosted a Thursday night game in 1992, losing 6-0 to Colorado. …. Missouri has won 20 of its past 22 home games and has not lost to a Big 12 North opponent in Columbia since 2004.
